The United States House voted on Friday, 236-to-173, to advance the “Equality Act” which, if passed by the Senate and signed by the President, places “gay rights” in direct conflict with religious liberty. In fact, it actually elevates gay rights above religious rights. But then again, perhaps this was the goal all along.
In a widespread 2014 interview, then-Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner Chai Feldblum was asked if she could conceive of a legal matter in which religious liberty rights would trump gay rights. She answered: “I’m having a hard time coming up with any case in which religious liberty should win.”
Feldblum is openly lesbian. To her credit, she made no attempt to hide her agenda. And while progressives try to sugarcoat their poison pill in sweet expressions of “Equality,” Christians should take notice that it is anything but equality for those who express a Christian faith. The provisions of this legislation open the door to:
- Parents losing their right to direct medical care when their minor child seeks experimental “gender transition” drugs and genital reconstruction surgery
- Parents being kept uninformed when their child seeks counseling for struggles with gender identity or unwanted same-sex attraction
- Biological males competing in girls’ athletics and for girls’ scholarships
- Christian business owners being required to choose between their faith and their business
- Christian adoption agencies being forced to choose between their faith or continuing to serve children and birthmothers in need
While the Senate is unlikely to give a hearing to the so-called Equality Act, that’s not the end of the story. First, the House, under Speaker Pelosi’s leadership, is likely to tack it onto other legislation, potentially forcing big votes in the Senate.
And even with the threat of a Presidential veto, this is an all-too-familiar strategy of the Left—promote corrosive legislation in one session and get as many legislators as they can on record supporting it. Then actively press the issue forevermore in the court of public opinion to wear down people’s natural concerns and values. And finally, ensure the radical legislation passes in the most progressive states to lay the groundwork for passage in other states and eventually Congress.
To their shame, Nancy Pelosi’s House voted to subvert religious liberty to gay rights even though the former is fundamentally protected in our First Amendment. Strikingly, at the same time and for the 44th time, Pelosi prevented the House from voting on legislation to protect a child who survives an abortion. Instead, Pelosi’s policy allows that child to perish by withholding medical assistance. Where’s the equality for children born alive?
If that doesn’t awaken the church, what will?
Family Policy Alliance exists to be the voice for people of faith—in the church, the Christian business community and in legislatures across the nation and in D.C. We amplify your voice to stand firm and take action. But we can only stand for you when you stand with us!
Won’t you give today to have your voice—and those of your children—amplified today and heard tomorrow?
Standing for the Family, 
Paul Weber
President and CEO
P.S. If you haven’t yet had the chance to urge your two U.S. Senators to OPPOSE the so-called Equality Act, please do so today! It only takes one minute on our instant Action Center.
